Monroe Invitational: Corey Conners takes lead

PITTSFORD, NY (June 12, 2013) -- Kent State's Corey Conners fired a 4-under 66 and leads a loaded field by two shots after one round of play at the 2013 Monroe Invitational Championship. Conners, one of Canada's brightest collegiate-aged golfers and a rising to-be senior at Kent State, bogeyed his first hole bit managed six birdies in his round at the Donald Ross-designed Monroe Golf Club. Kentucky's Cody Martin, Duke's Yaroslave Merkulov and Jack Maguire of Florida State are all tied for second place after firing opening-round 2-under 68s. Maquire is the reigning St. Augustine Amateur champion. The Monroe Invitational features a top field with some of the best up-and-coming collegiate golfers in the country. Dominic Bozzelli of Auburn, who recently placed second individually at the NCAA Championship, shot even-par 70. Garrett Rank, the runner-up at last year's U.S. Mid-Amateur and perhaps the top mid-amateur in the field, shot 2-over 72 and is tied for 28th. The 72-hole stroke play championship runs through Saturday and features no cut. Play continues at Monroe Golf Club early Thursday